SAIF Zone now has 6,700 companies located in the 13 million square metre free zone, which is strategically located adjacent to Sharjah Airport International.

Al Mazrouei further revealed that SAIF Zone is investing AED 50 million (US$ 14m) in a new 100,000 square metre logistics park, which is expected to open by the end of July. The new logistics part is part of the free zone’s effort to attract more companies from the aviation sector, including companies providing air freight services, aviation spare parts and aircraft maintenance.

The international airport is a hub for a number of international passenger and cargo airlines including the Sharjah-headquartered budget carrier Air Arabia; AeroLogic, the joint venture cargo airline of DHL Express; and Lufthansa Cargo. The airport handled 8.5 million passengers and 295,402 tonnes of cargo in 2013 and currently has a new 4,060 metre runway under construction. Meanwhile, UK-based private aviation services company Gama Aviation opened its own terminal at the airport earlier this month.